Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Intrapersonal factor'

This study examined early adolescent risk for substance use in a sample of 1,170 sixth and seventh graders. Risk was assessed by inspecting the predictive strength of thirteen continuous variables from the interpersonal (peer pressure, peer substance use, parental monitoring, parent-child involvement, academic achievement, and school adjustment) and intrapersonal (self efficacy, impulsivity, withdrawal, depression, somatization, delinquency, and aggression) domains. Consistent with expectations, mean levels of substance use did not differ by gender or ethnicity (Caucasians and Hispanics). In addition, model-free LISREL analyses revealed underlying process similarity of predictors between sixth and seventh graders and between Caucasians and Hispanics. Interpersonal variables accounted for significantly more variance in early adolescent lifetime substance use than intrapersonal variables (39% versus 25%). Finally, weighting continuous independent predictors did not meaningfully improve prediction of lifetime substance use. The importance of process similarity and the significance of the peer domain in early adolescent substance use are discussed.

The multidimensional construct of body image is an established risk factor related to numerous maladaptive outcomes. Examining the role of the body in self-destructive behaviours, Orbach (1996) theorized that negative bodily experiences and attitudes reduce self-preservative attitudes, and foster the development of detachment and hatred associated with the body, facilitating the likelihood of engaging in self-destructive behaviours. Orbach's theoretical perspective has been validated among self-destructive acts such as disordered eating behaviours, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behaviours. Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) represents an alternative form of self-destructive behaviour, and is defined as the deliberate, self-inflicted destruction of body tissue without conscious suicidal intent, and for purposes not socially sanctioned. The current program of research sought to validate and extend upon Orbach's theory of bodily experiences among a community sample of male and female young adults who reported having engaged in NSSI. Additionally, as emotion dysregulation is a robust risk factor related to NSSI, the current program of research sought to investigate the relationship between dimensions of body image, emotion dysregulation, and NSSI in order to understand the mechanisms through which differential dimensions of body image influence the likelihood of engaging in NSSI. Thus, the current program of research is comprised of two manuscripts. Manuscript 1 tested the factor validity of the Body Influence Assessment Inventory (BIAI; Osman et al., 2006), an instrument that was developed based on an extension of Orbach's (1996) theory of bodily experiences, in a sample of 101 young adults who reported having engaged in NSSI (72% female). Confirmatory factor analysis of the four-factor structure produced strong fit indices, thus findings (a) validated the factor structure of the BIAI among an NSSI sample, and (b) revealed the importance of acknowledging multiple dimensions of body image, including affective, cognitive, and behavioural, as useful variables in the assessment of body image among young adults who report having engaged in NSSI. Building upon these findings, Manuscript 2 investigated the differential role of dimensions of body image (i.e., affective, cognitive, and behavioural) as measured by the BIAI, among a community sample of 101 young adults who reported having engaged in NSSI, and a matched comparison group of 101 young adults who did not (n = 202, 72% female). The study also extended upon Orbach's theory, as path analyses tested a mediational model of self-injury based on the hypothesis that emotion dysregulation would mediate the relationship between dimensions of body image and the possibility of engaging in NSSI. Results indicated that negative attitudes and suicide-related thoughts concerning the body and physical appearance significantly differentiated young adults who reported having engaged in NSSI and those who did not, regardless of gender. Partial support for the proposed mediational model was found, with significant direct and indirect effects between dimensions of body image and NSSI by way of emotion dysregulation. Taken together, the two studies collectively serve to extend Orbach's (1996) theoretical conceptualization of the role of bodily experiences to a community sample of young adults who reported having engaged in NSSI, and expands the theory by identifying emotion dysregulation as a partial mechanism through which body image influences the likelihood of engaging in NSSI. In sum, the program of research identifies dimensions of body image as a robust intrapersonal risk factor, and furthers our understanding of the relationship between dimensions of body image, emotion dysregulation, and NSSI.<br>Examinant le rôle du corps dans les comportements autodestructeurs, Orbach (1996) a émis l'hypothèse que des expériences et des attitudes corporelles négatives réduisent les attitudes de conservation et favorisent le développement de détachement et de haine vis-à-vis le corps, contribuant aux probabilités d'adoption de comportements autodestructeurs. La perspective théorique d'Orbach a été validée relativement à des comportements autodestructeurs tels que les troubles du comportement alimentaire, l'idéation suicidaire et les comportements suicidaires. L'automutilation non-suicidaire (AMNS) représente une forme alternative de comportement autodestructeur et désigne des comportements délibérés de destruction physique sans intention consciente de suicide et à des fins qui ne sont pas sanctionnées socialement. Le programme de recherche cherchait à valider et à approfondir la théorie d'expériences corporelles d'Orbach parmi un échantillon communautaire de jeunes adultes (hommes et femmes) disant avoir posé des gestes d'AMNS. Puisque le dérèglement émotif est un facteur de risque important relié à l'AMNS, le programme de recherche cherchait à examiner la corrélation entre les dimensions de l'image corporelle, le dérèglement émotif et l'AMNS afin de comprendre les mécanismes par lesquels les dimensions différentielles de l'image corporelle influencent la probabilité d'adopter des comportements d'AMNS. Le manuscrit 1 a testé la validité des facteurs du Body Influence Assessment Inventory (BIAI; Osman et al., 2006), un instrument basé sur un prolongement de la théorie d'expériences corporelles d'Orbach (1996) parmi un échantillon de 101 jeunes adultes disant avoir adopté des comportements d'AMNS (72% femmes). Une analyse factorielle confirmatoire de la structure des quatre facteurs a produit des statistiques robustes; les résultats ont donc (a) validé la structure de facteurs de l'instrument BIAI parmi un échantillon AMNS, et (b) révélé l'importance de reconnaître les dimensions multiples de l'image corporelle, dont les dimensions affective, cognitive et comportementale, comme des variables utiles dans l'évaluation de l'image corporelle parmi les jeunes adultes qui disent avoir posé des gestes d'AMNS. Le manuscrit 2 a examiné le rôle différentiel des dimensions de l'image corporelle (ex.: affective, cognitive et comportementale), telles que mesurées par le BIAI, parmi un échantillon communautaire de 101 jeunes adultes disant avoir posé des gestes d'AMNS et un groupe témoin apparié de 101 jeunes adultes qui n'en n'ont pas posés (N = 202, 72% femmes). L'étude a aussi porté plus loin la théorie d'Orbach, alors que des analyses causales ont testé un modèle médiationnel d'automutilation fondé sur l'hypothèse que le dérèglement émotif faciliterait la relation entre les dimensions de l'image corporelle et l'adoption de comportements d'AMNS. Les résultats ont indiqué que les attitudes négatives et les pensées reliées au suicide portant sur le corps et l'apparence physique différentient considérablement les jeunes adultes qui posent des gestes d'AMNS et ceux qui ne le font pas, peu importe le sexe. Un soutien partiel pour le modèle médiationnel proposé a été établi, avec des effets directs et indirects significatifs entre les dimensions de l'image corporelle et l'AMNS par voie du dérèglement émotif. Les deux études servent collectivement à appliquer la conceptualisation théorique d'Orbach (1996) du rôle des expériences corporelles à un échantillon communautaire de jeunes adultes disant avoir posé des gestes d'AMNS, et élargit la théorie en identifiant le dérèglement émotif comme un mécanisme partiel par lequel l'image corporelle influence la probabilité de poser des gestes d'AMNS. Le programme de recherche identifie les dimensions de l'image corporelle comme un facteur de risque intrapersonnel important et nous aide à mieux comprendre le rapport entre les dimensions de l'image corporelle, le dérèglement émotif et l'AMNS.

Rejection sensitivity is defined as the tendency to 'anxiously expect, readily perceive, and overreact to rejection' (Downey, Feldman, Khuri, & Friedman, 1994, p. 496). It has been conceptualised as a cognitive-affective processing disposition that undermines adaptive functioning. The overall aim of the current research was to explore the rejection sensitivity dynamic and investigate its association with maladaptive intrapersonal and interpersonal outcomes. To address this aim, four studies, each of which used a cross-sectional design, were undertaken. Study one explored the relationship between rejection sensitivity and depressive symptoms, and specifically sought to examine the role of social anxiety and loneliness within this relationship. One hundred and ninety five participants completed questionnaires assessing rejection sensitivity, depression, loneliness, and social anxiety. Consistent with predictions, the results indicated that rejection sensitivity was related to depressive symptoms. The experience of loneliness and social anxiety was found to further explicate this relationship. The second study investigated how rejection sensitive individuals think about and relate to others. Two hundred and five participants were required to complete questionnaires assessing rejection sensitivity, adult attachment styles, and the personality dispositions of sociotropy and autonomy. It was found that rejection sensitivity was most closely associated with an anxious attachment style and intimacy seeking coping strategies within close relationships.

There is considerable debate about the optimal methods to be taken in measuring work related stressor-strain links. This study has explored these issues by testing a two-factor approach of assessing occupationally and organisationally linked stressors. The discriminant validity of the Job Stress Survey (JSS; Spielberger & Vagg, 1999) was tested in this study. 1,050 employees from seven National Health Service (NHS) Trusts were examined to evaluate the degree to which JSS subscales of Job Pressure and Lack of Organizational Support differentiated between staff experiences of occupational and organisational stressors respectively. Support for the discriminant validity of the JSS was obtained with inter-occupational differences in Job Pressure when comparing between the seven NHS staff groups surveyed. By contrast, staff subjected to major organisational change were more likely to report high levels of Lack of Organizational Support than those not facing such change. The satisfactory discriminant validity of the JSS has general implications for stress prevention and management. Workers in occupations prone to high occupational stress could benefit from targeted stress management interventions, whereas endemic organisational stress could be more effectively tackled with an organisation-wide focus. MIS workers' degree of Neuroticism appeared to bias links between stressors and strains. Also, when compared with low-ranking and high-ranking staff, middle-ranking workers had the highest levels of stressor experiences and the lowest job satisfaction. As a result, future research and interventions should consider the role of Neuroticism and occupational seniority, as these variables significantly influenced NHS employees' stress experiences. It is also recommended that research into workplace stress should involve the statistical control of Neuroticism. By neglecting the crucial role of Neuroticism, researchers may be ignoring the full extent to which this personality trait may distort the true link between a stressor and subsequent strain.

Phenomenological research was conducted to explore the lived experiences of adolescents in a Children’s home who participate in a choir that is facilitated from a community music therapy perspective. The case study involved 16 weekly choir sessions, where a variety of vocalisations and interactive vocal interventions were implemented. A performance marked the end of the process, where preferred songs were performed. Fourteen adolescents residing in Bramley Children’s Home participated in the choir and the research. Qualitative data was collected through 14 semi-structured individual interviews at the end of the process. All interview transcripts were analysed through utilising interpretative phenomenological analysis. The study concluded that participation in the community music therapy choir offered the adolescents perceived meaningful intra- and interpersonal experiences. At an intrapersonal level, the participants lived experience entailed discovering their musical voices, accessing inner strength to take action both in the here-and-now and in the future as well as experiencing a healthier picture of themselves through increased self-awareness, self-esteem and self-confidence. Utilising cognitive skills and experiencing, expressing and regulating emotions were also included in the in the intrapersonal findings. In terms of interpersonal experiences, the adolescents perceived growth in relationships, improved social skills, social harmony and connection into the community. An important finding in this study that drew on a community music therapy focus is connection into the community, where the adolescents are experiencing sustaining relationships and continuous musiking within their communities.<br>Dissertation (MMus)--University of Pretoria, 2016.<br>Music<br>MMus<br>Unrestricted

Homeless youth are typically defined as a group of adolescents and young adults (ages 12-24) who do not have stable dwellings, but instead live on the streets, in shelters or abandoned buildings, or in other unstable situations (e.g., doubling up with friends). Given the myriad of hardships, stressors, and marginalization faced by youth as they navigate life on the streets, it is encouraging that researchers have begun examining well-being among youth experiencing homelessness. However, the few studies examining well-being among homeless youth have produced inconsistent results. Furthermore, little is known about the components of well-being that are both relevant to and valued by homeless youth, as well as which factors predict differences in well-being among youth. This study examined psychological well-being and its associations with demographic characteristics (race, gender, and sexual orientation), intrapersonal factors (mental health, optimism, and self-esteem), and social-contextual factors (social support, sense of community, and empowerment) among 100 homeless youth utilizing services in Portland, Oregon. Quantitative results indicated that the intrapersonal and social-contextual variables were all significantly associated with psychological well-being among homeless youth at the bivariate level. However, in a full hierarchical regression model containing all study variables, only self-esteem and psychological distress were significant predictors of well-being. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed 11 categories of factors that impact youth's well-being, including Self Care, Social Support, and Personal Outlook. Collectively, findings have practical implications for program development at homeless youth service centers while also informing future research in this area.

Exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months and continued breastfeeding for the first year or two is promoted as the preferred method for feeding infants. In the United States, about 79% of infants are ever breastfed and less than 27% are breastfed through the first year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014b). The purpose of this study was to understand the role of breastfeeding experiences and underlying factors that may facilitate the maintenance of breastfeeding one’s first child as well as the re-engagement in breastfeeding with one's second child. This dissertation includes two quantitative studies using secondary data and one qualitative study involving data specifically collected for this study. The quantitative studies used data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II and the Year 6 Follow Up surveys. Findings indicate barriers in the early breastfeeding experience (pain, trouble with milk supply, and trouble with the baby’s suck or latch) are associated with less time spent in breastfeeding maintenance among first-time mothers and experiencing trouble with the first baby’s suck or latch is associated with non-initiation with one's second child. Conversely, as levels of perceived breastfeeding self-efficacy, opinion about the best way to feed a baby, and belief about breast milk increased, or became more pro-breastfeeding over time, time spent in breastfeeding maintenance among first-time mothers also increased. Those with a high level of response efficacy were also more likely to initiate breastfeeding with a second child. In the qualitative study, 28 first-time mothers who recently stopped breastfeeding and live in Iowa participated in semi-structured interviews. The objectives of this third study were to understand and describe first-time mothers’ experiences of infant feeding throughout the entire breastfeeding maintenance period, and explore how contextual factors may act as facilitators or barriers to breastfeeding maintenance by identifying common turning points. Turning points were defined as events or periods in time perceived as personally significant, that promoted a change, maintenance, or where a new meaning associated with the experience was acquired. Findings include seven turning points (breastfeeding problems, overcoming the unknown, recurring stressors, learning how to live life with the new baby, re-entering social roles, special occasions, and letting go) that were usually associated with stressful situations. The availability of intrapersonal (e.g., individual determination) and interpersonal (e.g., social support from others) coping resources at these turning points facilitated breastfeeding maintenance. The first study is significant in the longitudinal consideration of both experiences and changes in intrapersonal and interpersonal factors and how these changes relate to breastfeeding maintenance. The second study is significant with the focus on multiparous mothers and the effect of previous breastfeeding thoughts and experiences on breastfeeding initiation with a second child. The third study is unique in the identification of breastfeeding turning points that may lead to identifying opportune times and strategies for maintenance interventions. Findings from these studies have implications for intervention planning and future research. The synthesis of findings across the three studies suggests the early breastfeeding period is paramount to breastfeeding maintenance, along with the role of one’s social environment, particularly the perceived availability of social support to meet mothers' needs. Finally, findings from this dissertation can be used to improve social support provision and multi-level interventions targeting mothers’ most salient needs at the most opportune times.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2006.<br>Title from electronic title page (viewed Oct. 10, 2007). "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Nutrition in the School of Public Health." Discipline: Nutrition; Department/School: Public Health.

Twenty five years after AIDS was first scientifically described, the disease continues to take its toll on the human population. HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects marginalized groups such as poor, underserved, minority populations. In the United States, Blacks become infected with and die from HIV/AIDS more than any other ethnic or racial group. Despite a vast body of literature on HIV/AIDS, little research has focused on black heterosexual men and even fewer studies have explored the context of risk among subgroups of black men. Using qualitative research methods and a socio-ecological framework, this study explored the intrapersonal, socio-cultural, and behavioral factors that influence sexual behaviors in ethnic subgroups of black men who identify as heterosexual. Further, the study examined black women's perceptions of the sexual behaviors of black men. Conducted in a metropolitan area in Southwest Florida, the study consisted of two phases: 1) semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted among U.S.-born (N=15) and Haitian-born (N=14) heterosexual men who are 18 years and older and have lived in the U.S. for at least 3 years. 2) Using focus group methodology, phase 2 explored black women's (N=23) perceptions of black male sexual behaviors. Study findings have significant implications for public health education, research and practice. Findings reveal that while Haitian-born and U.S.-born men have high levels of knowledge about HIV, they also ascribe to HIV conspiracy beliefs and practice high risk sexual behaviors such as unprotected sex and partner concurrency. Results show that black men's sexual behaviors are influenced by socio-ecological factors such as family norms, hip-hop culture and religious beliefs. Female study participants perceived factors such as masculine ideologies, socialization, and the male-to-female ratio imbalance as critical influences on male sexual behaviors. While intrapersonal approaches are important to address HIV risk behaviors, ecological frameworks are necessary to inform the development of HIV prevention programs that address the socio-ecological factors that create an environment of risk. This inquiry underscores cultural and gender differences in the conceptualization of HIV/AIDS. Findings have implications for HIV prevention and demonstrate the need for gender-specific and culturally relevant HIV prevention approaches for U.S.-born and Haitian-born blacks.

The present dissertation aims to improve our knowledge on the longitudinal development of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) and the role of interpersonal and intrapersonal risk factors associated with it. Non-Suicidal Self-injury (NSSI), defined as the direct and deliberate self-inflicted damage of body tissue without suicidal intent, is a serious public health concern worldwide (Kiekens et al., 2018). Adolescents are the most at-risk group, given that the transition into adolescence may represent a critical vulnerability period for the onset of NSSI behaviors (Lloyd-Richardson, 2008). This phenomenon requires attention not only because of its heavy impact in terms of public health and the high incidence within the population, but also for the consequences that engagement in NSSI entails. The long-term effects of self-injurious behavior can be destructive, with consequences for emotional and cognitive development (Baetens et al., 2011). NSSI is used as a maladaptive means of coping with intense emotions. Both interpersonal (e.g., social interaction with peers and family; Brausch & Gutierrez, 2010) and intrapersonal factors (e.g., emotion regulation, self-efficacy, and self-esteem; Baetens et al., 2011) can serve to initiate and maintain NSSI (Nock, 2009; Nock & Prinstein, 2004; Zetterqvist et al., 2013). In the last ten years, the attention given to this issue has become increasingly important. Most of the existing literature has examined this behavior (e.g., prevalence, risks factors) at the cross-sectional level, while few studies have explored the longitudinal development of NSSI, and the role played by interpersonal and intrapersonal factors at the longitudinal level. For these reasons, the general aim of the present dissertation is to analyze the longitudinal development of NSSI and the association with interpersonal and intrapersonal risk factors. Three empirical studies are presented. They cover three main issues: 1) a meta-analysis on the longitudinal development of NSSI; 2) the reciprocal associations between peer problems and NSSI; 3) the mediational role of Covid-19 related stress in the association between pre-existing vulnerabilities and NSSI. In the first study (Chapter 1), we presented a meta-analysis on the development of NSSI from childhood to young adulthood, using a Bayesian approach. The aim was to examine both the occurrence and the frequency of NSSI over time, considering all studies published up until November 2020. Subsequently, we examined the role of possible moderators, such as gender, mean age during the first wave of data collection, and number of months covered by the assessment. The results show the important role of gender (i.e., females) and age in the explanation of the expected proportion and mean changes of NSSI over time. Specifically, what emerges from the findings is how being female represents an important risk factor for the occurrence of this behavior. As for the frequency of this behavior, a higher percentage of females are associated with higher severity of NSSI, but it tends to decrease over time. The results show that mid-adolescence (i.e., 14/15 years) appears to be the period of highest risk for the occurrence of NSSI over time. Instead, over time, findings suggest that the frequency of this behavior is higher in adolescence, at a mean age of 15-16 years of age, and it decreases in late adolescence (e.g., Plener et al., 2015). In the second study (Chapter 2), we investigated the reciprocal associations between peer problems (e.g., peer victimization, friendship stress, and loneliness) and NSSI throughout adolescence, distinguishing between- and within-person effects. Participants were 866 adolescents (54.5% females; Mage = 13.12 years, SD = 0.78), who took part in six waves of data collection. Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Models (RI-CLPM) were used to estimate within-person cross-lagged effects between each peer problem and NSSI from Grade 7 to 12. After accounting for between-person associations between peer problems and NSSI, results indicated that higher-than-usual levels of NSSI predicted higher-than-usual levels of adolescents’ own friendship stress, loneliness, and peer victimization at the subsequent time point. Yet, sensitivity analyses revealed that most of these effects were strongly attenuated and explained by within-person fluctuations in depressive symptoms. No within-person cross-lagged effects from peer problems to NSSI were found. In the third study (Chapter 3), we examined the role of Covid-19 related stress in the association between pre-existing vulnerabilities and the engagement in NSSI during the pandemic. Specifically, the study aimed to examine if adolescents with pre-existing vulnerabilities, including a prior history of NSSI, higher levels of internalizing symptoms, and poorer regulatory emotional self-efficacy, were more likely to show increases in NSSI across the pandemic period through higher levels of Covid-19 related stress. The analysis was conducted on 1061 adolescents (52.4% females; Mage = 15.49 years, SD = 0.76), enrolled in the 9th and 10th grade in Tuscany, Italy, who took part in two waves of data collection. Results showed that adolescents with pre-existing vulnerabilities were at higher risk of engaging in NSSI through the role of Covid-19 related stress. Specifically, adolescents with a prior history of NSSI, higher levels of anxious and depressive symptoms, and poorer regulatory emotional self-efficacy showed a higher level of Covid-19 related stress, which in turn it was associated with an increased risk of occurrence of NSSI. In the final chapter (Chapter 4), the results of the previous three studies have been discussed highlighting their contribution to the literature on the longitudinal development of NSSI, strengths and limitations, and the implications for future studies.

Thesis (M.S.)--State University of New York at Buffalo, 2006.<br>Title from PDF title page (viewed on Mar. 03, 2007) Available through UMI ProQuest Digital Dissertations. Thesis adviser: Lee, Gloria K. Includes bibliographical references.

博士<br>國立雲林科技大學<br>技術及職業教育研究所<br>103<br>This study was conducted to identify the relationship among some intrapersonal factors such as professional competency, interdisplinary ability, social skills capability, team cohesion, and thinking style. These factors were revealed to separately influence on innovation competency of students enrolled in design programs. This study also further scrutinized the effects of these six factors on the innovation competency as well as the correlations among these seven factors and their internal structure in order to comprehensively understand the influential processes and paths for the innovation competency enhancement in the design education. The validated questionnaire was delivered to 1013 students in the design programs of graduate schools (N=175), universities (N=296), and vocational high schools (542) as research samples. Consequently, the SPSS 18.0 and AMOS statistic software were used to analyze the collected data undertaking t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in order to answer the research questions. Several crucial conclusions were finally obtained as the following: (1) The students in the design programs generally possessed a high level of professional competency, interdisplinary ability, social skills capability, team cohesion, thinking style, and innovation competency; (2) There were significant and positive relationships among these factors. That might imply these intrapersonal factors are highly relied on, co-existent with, and interact with any another; any change could create a series of chain effects; (3) These highly correlated intrapersonal factors, in the realistical environment, were approved to be developed through their interactive, hierarchical, and consecutive processes rather than any single-factor effect; (4) The positive thinking style was also revealed to play the crucial moderating factor within the processes fostering the team cohesion and innovation competency. These conclusions inspired several suggestions for the practitioners, organization administrators, and, what’s more important, for school educators in the relevant fields. Consequently, two suggestions were finally provided for the future research in order to pursue better research qualities and further understand the improvement strategies in the design education.

A growing body of literature has described the factors that compromise mental health for transgender people, yet less information is known about the factors that promote resilience and protect mental health for transgender adults in Australia. This qualitative study aimed to increase knowledge and understanding about the broader context, interpersonal, and intrapersonal factors that compromise and promote the mental health of Australian transgender adults. Data were gathered using semistructured, one-on-one interviews with ten adult participants, including five transgender people and five mental health practitioners who specialize in gender diversity, and analysed using contemporary constructivist grounded theory methodology. Results indicated that the mental health of transgender adults in Australia is shaped by multi-layered interactions between broader context, interpersonal, and intrapersonal factors that perpetuate stigma and exclusion and compromise mental health, as well as those that cultivate identity affirmation and inclusion and promote mental health, wellbeing and quality of life. Findings from this research can be used to enhance current understandings of the mental health experiences and needs of transgender people; to improve clinical practice, health promotion, education, policy development, and advocacy; and promote the mental health of transgender adults in Australia.

Social ecological models are recognized for allowing researchers to examine the influence of multiple factors on behaviour, yet to date relatively little research has simultaneously examined the role of personal, social, and environmental factors on youths’ physical activity, while giving consideration to the role of different types of neighbourhoods. The current study examined the physical activity of 804 youth aged 10 to 16 years residing in urban high density, suburban, or suburban low density neighbourhoods, by exploring relationships between several personal, social, and environmental factors. Findings revealed that all three factors were significant in explaining youths’ physical activity. Differences in participation were found based on gender and neighbourhood; males and youth from suburban low density neighbourhoods were significantly more physically active. Moreover, several variables were found to be important for understanding youth physical activity: sex, age, self-efficacy, encouragement, neighbourhood safety, and the use of a number of neighbourhood facilities.

Hierdie proefskrif handel oor 'n selfaktualiseringsbenadering tot bestuursukses binne 'n finansiele instelling. Die stand punt word gehuldig dat bestuurders wat reeds hoer vlakke van selfaktualisering bereik het oor die persoonlikheidskenmerke (intrapersoonlike, interpersoonlike en werkskenmerke) beskik wat tot bestuursukses lei. Hierdie standpunt, wat gegrond is op die uitgangspunte van die humanistiese benadering, is nog nie in finansiele instellings nagevors nie. Die volgende literatuurdoelstellings is in hierdie navorsing bereik: 'n Ge"integreerde beskouing van die vernaamste humanistiese persoonlikheidsteoriee, wat dien as metateoretiese raamwerk vir hierdie navorsing, is daargestel. - Die konsep selfaktualisering is omskryf en die persoonlikheidskenmerke van die selfaktualiserende persoon is ge"identifiseer. - Die konsep bestuursukses is omskryf en die persoonlikheidskenmerke van die suksesvolle bestuurder is ge"identifiseer. - Meetbare bestuursukseskriteria asook meetinstrumente vir die meet daarvan is ge"identifiseer. 'n Psigometriese toetsbattery is saamgestel uit die Algemene Gesondheidsvraelys, Verstandelike-helderheidstoets, Sestien-persoonlikheidsfaktorvraelys, Persoonlikeorienteringsvraelys, Rottervraelys, RGN Gevallestudietegniek-enbesluitnemingsvraelys en die Biografiese vraelys. Hierdie meetinstrumente is as klassifikasieveranderlikes gebruik om die meetbare komponente van die konstruk selfaktualisering by bestuurders van 'n finansiele instelling te meet. Besuursukses, as kriteriumveranderlike, is met die prestasiebestuurevaluering- en werknemer -effektiwiteitsvraelys gemeet. Uit die statistiese analise (meervoudigeregressie-analise) blyk dit dat 15 klassifikasieveranderlikes met bestuursukses verband hou. Die meervoudige korrelasie R (aangepas vir getal gevalle en getal klassifikasieveranderlikes) is gelyk aan 0,54. Daar is dus in hierdie navorsing 'n verband gevind tussen die konsepte selfaktualisering en bestuursukses soos gemeet by bestuurders van 'n finansiele instelling. Verskeie klassifikasieveranderlikes toon 'n paraboliese verband met bestuursukses. Dit dui daarop dat 'n relatiewe aanwesigheid of sterkte van spesifieke persoonlikheidskenmerke noodsaaklik is vir bestuursukses. lndien 'n sekere optimale punt egter oorskry word, het dit 'n nadelige effek op bestuursukses. Die gevolgtrekking word gemaak dat die evalueringstegnieke en psigometriese instrumente wat in hierdie navorsing gebruik is en wat 'n verband (reglynig of parabolies) met bestuursukses getoon het, binne die finansiele instelling gebruik kan word om bestuurders met bestuurspotensiaal te identifiseer. Aanbevelings is ten opsigte van die gebruikswaarde van die konsep selfaktualisering vir die praktyk en vir verdere navorsing geformuleer.<br>This thesis examines the self-actualisation approach to management success within a financial institution. The premise is that managers who have already reached high levels of self-actualisation possess the personality traits (intrapersonal, interpersonal and work traits) that lead to management success. This premise, which is based on the points of view of the humanistic approach, has not yet been researched in a financial institution. The following literature objectives were achieved in this research: - An integrated view of the major humanistic personality theories, which serve as metatheoretic framework for this research, has been compiled. - The concept of self-actualisation has been defined and the personality traits of the self-actualising person identified. - The concept of management success has been defined and the personality traits of the successful manager identified. - Measurable management success criteria as well as measuring instruments for measuring these criteria have been identified. A psychometric test battery has been compiled from the General Health Questionnaire, Mental Alertness Test, Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire, Personal Orientation Questionnaire, Rotter Questionnaire, HSRC Case Study Technique and Decision-making Questionnaire and the Biographical Questionnaire. These measuring instruments were used as classification variables to measure the measurable components of the selj-actualisation construct among managers of a financial institution. Management success, as a criterion variable, was measured using the performance management evaluation and employee effectiveness questionnaires. From the statistical analysis (multiple-regression analysis) it is evident that 15 classification variables relate to management success. The multiple correlation R (adjusted for number of cases and number of classification variables) equals 0,54. A relation has therefore been found in this research between the concepts of selfactualisation and management success as measured in managers of a financial institution. Several classification variables show a parabolic relation to management success. This indicates that a relative presence or strength of specific personality traits is essential for management success. However, when a certain optimal point is exceeded, this has a detrimental effect on management success. The conclusion is reached that the evaluation techniques and psychometric instruments used in this research, which showed a relation (whether rectilineal or parabolic) with management success, may be employed at a financial institution to identify managers with management potential. Recommendations in respect of the usefulness of the self-actualisation concept for the practical environment and for future research were formulated.<br>Industrial and Organisational Psychology<br>DCom (Bedryfsielkunde)

In South Africa all the major categories of violent crime (homicide, aggravated robbery, serious assault and rape) showed an increase during the early 2000s. More than half of the total offences that were committed in South Africa during 2005 were aggressive offences. The goal of the study was to explore the perception of offenders regarding the triggering and contributing socio-economic factors to aggravated robbery with a view to inform rehabilitation and re-integration programmes for these offenders. Within the context of the interrelatedness of socio-economic factors such as poverty, inequality, unemployment and human rights, developmental social welfare and its underpinning theory of social development was an appropriate theoretical framework for the study. A qualitative research approach was utilised for the study and data was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews. Respondents for the study included maximum-term offenders that were serving an imprisonment sentence for aggravated robbery. The research findings indicate a reciprocal relationship between poverty, inequality, unemployment, intoxicating substances and intra- and interpersonal factors as possible triggering and contributing factors to aggravated robbery. Unemployment, which is exacerbated by a lack of education and skills development and linked to intra- and interpersonal factors, appears to be a dominant socio-economic factor that could contribute to or trigger aggravated robbery. The study concluded that rehabilitation programmes still lack a holistic, integrated developmental approach and hence do not prepare ex-offenders for full integration into society. The Department of Correctional Services was pointed out as a significant role-player in facilitating rehabilitation programmes that include skills development for job creation in a holistic, integrated developmental manner. Recommendations include that the Department of Correctional Services should seek partnerships and closer working relations with external service providers, and develop and implement integrated developmental rehabilitation programmes that will facilitate the creation of productive economic opportunities for offenders while they are still incarcerated and once they have been released back into the community.<br>Dissertation (MSW)--University of Pretoria, 2012.<br>Social Work and Criminology<br>unrestricted

Tese de doutoramento em Antropologia, no ramo de Antropologia Biológica, apresentada à Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade de Coimbra<br>Introduction: Extracurricular sport has the potential to increase total physical activity (PA) which plays an important role in the prevention of a number of health problems, including obesity. However, most children do not achieve the recommended guidelines. Sport participation may be influenced by a number of factors, but little is know how those risk factors may vary according to children’s sex and place of residence. Objectives: This study aims to: (1) estimate the prevalence of PA in girls and boys living in urban and non-urban settings and observe the factors that may predict participation in extracurricular sport and, (2) to assess the prevalence of childhood general and abdominal obesity, and identify the underlying risk factors related to the respective obesity rates, namely intrapersonal, social, and physical environment factors. Results: Majority of children practiced at least one extracurricular sport (67.8%), usually sports that are socially associated with their own gender or have a tradition in their community. Children from bigger families, with lower family income, whose parents had lower education and reported more barriers, more gender-role notions on sport, and perceived less available facilities/sports in the neighbourhood had lower odds of participating in a sport. A positive association was found between father-son and mother-daughter physical behaviours, with mothers’ participation in organised PA being a strong predictor of girls’ participation in an extracurricular sport. Both sexes reported that boys are better at sport than girls and that sport is more important for boys than it is for girls. Boys, more than girls, reported an interest in pursuing a career in sport. Children from the non-urban setting reported more places to be active during winter but urban children reported more parental role-modelling than non-urban children. Not being interest in pursuing a sport-related career was the intrapersonal factor more negatively associated with sport participation, in both sexes and settings. A great number of children were overweight (WHO: 20.7%/IOTF: 15.9%) or obese (WHO: 7.7%/IOTF: 6.1%), with girls having significantly higher prevalence of obesity than boys (IOTF). Moreover, girls had higher prevalence of abdominal obesity than boys, and it was found that a large proportion of children that were classified as having normal weight or overweight were abdominally obese. Family income, parental education, parental BMI (particularly mothers) were predictors of childhood obesity. Also, obese children were less physically active than non-obese children. Being a girl and living in the urban setting were significantly associated with higher odds of having general and abdominal obesity. Conclusion: This study shows that participation in sport is associated with both intrapersonal and social factors, and that those factors may varied according to the level of urbanization. Boys and girls participate in sport in similar rates, but efforts should be made to change the notions that parents and children have about sport. By identifying barriers in different domains, this study reinforces that actions to promote PA are most effective when they enable alterations in different factors and include multiple levels of influence, starting in the nuclear family, but including teachers, schools, and government policies.<br>Introdução: A participação em desporto extracurricular está positivamente associada com incrementos nos níveis de atividade física (AF), que por sua vez tem um papel protetor importante em vários problemas de saúde como a obesidade. Contudo, a maioria das crianças não segue as recomendações relativas à AF. A participação em desporto extracurricular pode ser influenciada por vários fatores, mas pouco de sabe como é que esses fatores variam de acordo com o sexo e a ambiente físico. Objetivos: Este trabalho tem três objetivos: (1) estimar a prevalência de AF em rapazes e raparigas que vivem em ambientes distintos (urbano e não-urbano) e observar como diferentes fatores intrapessoais, sociais, e ambientais podem influenciar a prática de desporto extracurricular e (2) avaliar a prevalência de excesso de peso e obesidade abdominal e identificar possíveis fatores de risco relacionados. Material e métodos: Um estudo transversal foi feito em 2013-2014. A amostra inclui 793 crianças (6-10 anos) e 834 pais, a viver numa área urbana (Coimbra) e numa não-urbana (Lousã), ambas situadas na zona centro de Portugal. Os dados sobre AF (incluindo desporto extracurricular), fatores socioeconómicos e familiares, e a opinião dos pais sobre desporto foram recolhidos através de um inquérito. A opinião das crianças sobre desporto foi obtida através de uma entrevista semiestruturada. O peso, a altura, e a circunferência abdominal das crianças foram medidas. O excesso de peso (O) e a obesidade (OB) foram definidos aplicando os pontos de corte da OMS e da IOTF, enquanto a obesidade abdominal (AOB) foi calculada como WHtR≥0.50. Diferentes técnicas estatísticas foram usadas para testar os objetivos supramencionados. Resultados: A maior parte das crianças pratica um desporto extracurricular (67.8%), geralmente desportos socialmente atribuídos ao seu sexo e que existem na área de residência. Mais irmãos, menor rendimento familiar, educação parental mais baixa, e pais que identificaram mais barreiras, mais estereótipos de género, e reportaram menos locais/desportos na área de residência têm menor probabilidade de ter um filho(a) a praticar desporto. Uma relação na AF entre pai-filho e mãe-filha foi registada e a prática de AF organizada por parte da mãe aumenta a hipótese de a filha praticar desporto. Ambos os sexos afirmaram que os rapazes são melhores desportistas que as raparigas e que fazer desporto é mais importante para rapazes do que para raparigas. Mais rapazes do que raparigas mostraram interesse em ter uma carreira profissional relacionada com desporto. As crianças reportaram diferentes barreiras consoante o local onde vivem. Não ter interesse numa carreira desportiva foi o fator mais negativamente associado com a participação em desporto extracurricular. A prevalência de excesso de peso (WHO: 20.7%/IOTF: 15.9%) e obesidade (WHO: 7.7%/IOTF: 6.1%) foi elevada, principalmente nas raparigas. A prevalência de obesidade abdominal também foi mais elevada nas raparigas do que nos rapazes, e um grande número de crianças que foram classificadas como tendo peso normal ou excesso de peso, tinham obesidade abdominal. O rendimento mensal, a educação dos pais, e o BMI do pai e principalmente da mãe influenciaram a obesidade infantil. Ser rapariga e viver na área urbana aumentou significativamente o risco de obesidade infantil. Conclusão: Este estudo mostra que a participação em desporto está associada com fatores intrapessoais e sociais, e que estes fatores podem variar consoante a área de residência. Tanto rapazes como raparigas participam em desporto em números semelhantes, mas é necessário alterar a forma como os pais e filhos olham para o desporto. Ao identificar diferentes barreiras, este estudo reforça a necessidade de promover a AF através de intervenções que incluem múltiplos níveis, começando na família e incluindo professores, escolas e politicas governamentais.